Innholdsfortegnelse for Apr 2016 i Tatler Homes Singapore

It’s a great time to be talking about design in Singapore. That’s an opinion that I share openly whenever someone asks about my thoughts on the future of the country’s design scene. I’m glad to say that this is also a sentiment shared by Yaacob Ibrahim, minister for communications & information. In a speech he delivered recently at the launch of this year’s Singapore Design Week, the minister said, “Receiving the UNESCO Creative City of Design designation last year was a testament to how far Singapore design has progressed. To grow mindshare for Singapore design internationally, we must continue to innovate and promulgate good design.” He also took the opportunity to share Singapore’s Design 2025 Masterplan, with the vision for Singapore to be an innovation-driven economy and a loveable city…

LZF Air A Exuding harmony and simplicity through its delicate folds, the Air lamp makes an ethereal addition, particularly to the bedroom. $434, available at Million Lighting Brabbu Moai The design is inspired by the Moai statues of Easter Island. Made of Carrera marble, it exudes simple sophistication. The light shines downwards, making a room feel warm and cosy. Price upon request, available at Brabbu Foscarini Innerlight Innerlight features three metal bands, carefully arranged to create light and shadow on the wall, between the bands and in the surrounding area. It is part wall sculpture, part lighting, so it’s a visual delight whether switched on or off. $1,369, available at Xtra Roll and Hill Stella The abstract geometric art of artist Frank Stella informed this piece. We love the nested…

01 SOO CHAN One of Southeast Asia’s most respected architects, Soo Chan (Chan Soo Kian) established his practice SCDA, in 1995, designing small residential projects. Over the years SCDA expanded to New York and now employs over 70 architects, with 90 per cent of its projects completed overseas. Despite its growing status the firm’s design style continues to retain an air of restrained elegance one can only find in boutique projects. Chan’s foray into furniture design comes courtesy of Poliform. Impressed by Chan’s attention to detail, the Italian brand produced Chan’s Java bed in 2009 and Soori coffee table in 2011, both of which were originally designed for the interiors of Alila Soori resort in Bali. The collection has since been expanded to include Soori Highline armchair, originally designed for…

NEST SHELVES Debuted at London Design Festival last year by Japanese design studio Nendo, Nest is an expandable shelving system that can double in size with thanks to its 3.7-mm carbon fibre vertical partition and its ingenious sliding mechanism. nendo.jp PLAYPLAY COLLECTION Inspired by Southeast Asian lifestyle and colour palette, Playplay collection by Lanzavecchia +Wai for Journey East comprises playfully designed pieces, some of which are transformable. The Pong table has a hidden drawer which provides you with simple equipment for impromptu ping pong sessions while the Hamburger side tables are stackable tables that can be taken apart to provide additional table surfaces. journeyeast.com SHELVES FOR LIFE These shelves are designed to last a lifetime, you can even take them to your grave. Designed by British designer William Warren, the…

LATEX FOAM This durable material is made from natural or synthetic rubber (or a blend of both). Natural rubber tends to be softer, while synthetic versions last longer. New variations are also made with natural soy or sunflower oils and water. MEMORY FOAM Originally invented by NASA to improve seat cushioning and crash protection on planes, memory foam adapts to body shape and temperature, and recovers its natural shape making it the ideal choice for comfort. POCKET COILS This may be considered the most luxurious type of innerspring mattress. Each coil is individually wrapped in fabric pockets, allowing for quick adjustments to different weights and movements, as well as ensure durability.…

The house was completed in 1883 for Henry John Coke, son of the first Earl of Leicester, and W. S. Gilbert. “Although this is an important historical house it is first and foremost our family home,” explains internationally renowned hair colourist Louise Galvin, “However we recognise our responsibility as custodians of a house that holds a special place in the history of London’s architecture.” Galvin, along with her husband, is the owner of one of London’s most exceptional homes so it’s not difficult to understand their commitment to this highly original English heritage Grade ll listed house. Over the years it has been a family home to many a London luminary before falling into disrepair in the early 1980’s. Together with a team of talented people they have painstakingly renovated…

British couple Jan and Kate Jeffrey work in marketing and live in an apartment in Soleil at Sinaran Condominium, Novena, with their two daughters, aged two and four. Aside from being situated close to the main shopping district in Singapore, the area is also popular among homeowners for its lush greenery and slower pace of life. While spacious and complete with a host of facilities that includes its own private elevator lobby, the original four-bedroom property lacked personality. Shortly after moving into the apartment, the Jeffreys felt the space’s expanse of plain white walls and parquette flooring were overdue for some for makeovers. What began as an idea quickly snowballed into an enthusiastic hunt for the right interior designers to take on the project. It was through their extensive research…

A Atlas 10 Winstedt Road #01-18 Block D Tel: 6334 9320 atlas-sv.com Atmosphere 52 Tras Street Tel: 6838 0976 atmospheredirect.com B Bathroom Gallery 25 Changi South Avenue 2 Level 1 & 2 Tel: 6546 5900 bathroomgallery.com.sg BW Singapore 20 Cross Street China Square Central (China Court) #01-05/06 Tel: 6339 2285 bwfurniture.com C Christofle 581 Orchard Road Hilton Singapore #02-11/12 Tel: 6733 7257 christofle.com Christopher Guy High Street Centre 1 North Bridge Road Level 30 Tel : 6590 8502 christopherguy.com D De Dietrich 65 Ubi Road One #02-70 Oxley Bizhub Tel: 6508 4600 dedietrich-asia.com Department Of Design 65 Ubi road, 1 Oxley Biz Hub #03-57 Tel: 6384 5537 dod.com.sg Design Intervention 75E Loewen Rd Tel: 6468 1942 designintervention.com.sg Dream 456 River Valley Road Tel: 6235 0220 dream.com.sg E Elements ID Consultants…

ROSSARA JAMIL FEATURES WRITER Rossara Jamil is relentless when it comes to sussing out luxe finds and interior design trends. In addition to speaking with and profiling designers, architects and artists, her portfolio includes coverage of lifestyle, travel and luxury trends around the world. YONG WOEI NA STYLIST Having spent the last 14 years honing her craft and working with various interior, socialite, food and fashion titles, Woei Na’s expertise ranges from styling jewellery, interior, food and wedding spreads. An avid cook, she prefers to spend her free time experimenting with new recipes. CAI HUIXIN PHOTOGRAPHER Cai Huixin is one of Singapore’s leading female photographers specialising in interiors and architecture in Singapore. A member of Calibre Pictures, her passion lies in getting the perfect shot in and out of the…

IN THE MOOD FOR TEXTILES Bed linen and other fabrics play a big role in creating the ambience of an interior. For that, look to luxury home textile brand Atmosphere. At its store on Tras Street, the brand stocks premium products, boasting over 3,000 fabrics in a wide variety of styles. Timeless patterns or trends of the moment can be found at the showroom. There are also furnishing fabrics to choose from, be it for window coverings or furniture upholstery, to help you create the sumptuous home of your dream. Atmosphere 52 Tras Street Tel: 6838 0976 TO THE CAPITOL The leading name in premium mattresses Simmons joined the list of luxe homeware boutiques at Capitol Piazza with the opening of its latest showroom. The Simmons Gallery at Capitol Piazza…

Great designs outlive their designers but in order to stay great, they also need to be updated to adapt to our ever-changing way of life. Such is the case with iconic lighting pieces – the originals become a coveted collector’s items while the ones still produced by their brands have undergone adjustments to their designs to improve their functionality and provide more options for the increasingly sophisticated consumers. “You will never go wrong with having iconic lighting pieces in your home,” says Jay Olea of Million Lighting. “They give a timeless versatility and elegant touch to the over-all décor regardless of concept. They could potentially serve as highlights to any room. And of course, they are great conversation pieces during functions at home.” “Iconic lamps offer a glimpse of modern…

What’s the unique factor about the Fungo lamp (right)? Fungo was an unplanned creation, an accident in design. We were shooting the video of the making of Candy in the factory’s basement and we noticed this old wooden mold. It was very humid and there were mushroom growing on it and it looked so interesting and that stuck in my head. Before we left for Brazil, I sketched something really quick and asked Maxim VelÐovský (Lasvit’s art director) if he’d be interested in making it before we flew back to Sao Paulo. I didn’t really think he would take up my request but he did and now we have the Fungo. It’s a hybridism between materials – glass and wood, one cold and one warm. This is actually the first…

Tell us about Topic Studio’s design approach. It starts with a good conversation with the clients and finding out more about them to add more layers to the design. We’re talking about layers of emotions, senses, and context – and not just about how the site related to the house but also how the context of the client’s background fits into the house. What are some of the challenges homeowners and designers face when building a home here? Homeowners are getting increasingly savvy nowadays. They have all the access to the information they need, they travel frequently and sometimes they are more knowledgeable than the designers. So we need to keep up by constantly reading and absorbing information. For homeowners the challenge will be how to filter all this information.…

1 Ensure that the home is in a location at a distance from negative elements such as satellite dishes, electricity pylons, buildings with sharp corners pointing at the plot of land, and land that previously housed abattoirs, cemeteries, crematoriums, funeral parlours, hospitals and places of worship 2 Avoid plots of land sited at T-junctions or at the end of a dead-end street 3 Don’t build a house with large, sharp corners that point towards adjacent houses. This will cause the occupants of those homes to feel uncomfortable, and also build up negativity 4 Houses with too many doors will confuse the occupants as to which door to use. Doors bring in good fortune as well as allow good fortune to leave. Avoid positioning the main door directly in line with…

Home to the Green Bay Packers and Harley Davidson, the state of Wisconsin boasts another famed resident: Kohler. The brand was established by the Kohler family in 1873 within an idyllic village just two hours away from Chicago. Today, the Kohler village is home to 2,500 residents and is an idyllic retreat for those who wish to enjoy tranquillity and peace. Here, Kohler’s manufacturing plants have the production capacity to service the US as well as to provide a conducive environment where the company can merge the old and new processes. It is deeply entrenched in its storied history that boasts numerous firsts and innovations, but Kohler continues solidly on the path set by its predecessors: that of being market leaders in bathroom and kitchen fittings. The company—which owns several…

KETTAL Landscape Double Lounger This double lounger is proof that two is better than one. Recline in it with your other half, or relish all that real estate to yourself. With its adjustable legs, and detachable wheels, this 190cm long aluminium sunbed is all about functionality. While it is available in two standard colours for the frame, and one for the cushion, there is also an entire palette of customisable tones to choose from. B&B ITALIA Mirto by Antonio Citterio Classic elegance is what to expect from this piece by renowned Italian designer Antonio Citterio. The reclining sunbed has a seat that can be lowered so it becomes a study in sharp angles and diagonal lines. A mouldable mesh makes up the body, encased by a metal frame. Mix and…

When designer Edmund Ng, embarked on designing his own home, he wanted to start from a clean slate so that he and his wife could have a place that was purpose-built for their needs. “My wife is an art collector so I conceived of the house as a canvas for her art,” he says. Not one to shy away from making a design statement, it did not bother Ng that the house would look unconventional due to the lack of windows, unlike most other houses “because a glass house or one with many windows will not work for the display of art”. The construction materials used are also not commonly found in landed residences. Off-form concrete, in particular, was Ng’s material of choice, one that he has used in home…

How do you take a design that was originally completed two decades ago by your father and transform it into a contemporary home that echoes the spirit of the times? That was the question that Aurélia Bire had to tackle in reworking the Villa Luxembourg, ensuring that each of the rooms embraced a feeling of lightness, well-being, serenity and comfort, and that art took centre stage. The owners requested the house’s main rooms be converted into welcoming, light-filled living spaces that serve as the perfect showcase for their art collection. The challenge was thus to respect the existing while creating something totally new. Bire describes how she updated her father’s design, “The house was initially designed with a French classic approach. The objective was to make a subtle revolution, finding…

Christopher Guy Sablier With its hourglass lines and full-figured tufted backrest, this is a sensuous piece perfect for the contemporary classic space. USD$2,171 onwards, available at Christopher Guy Calligaris Etoile Encased in Vera Pelle, Italian leather, the simple curves and tall backrest bring freshness and elegance. It’s a design bound to stand the test of time, trends and styles. $1,159, available at XZQT @ Suntec Andreu World Nub Patricia Urquiola’s Nub chair gives you the familiar comfort of a farmhouse chair with a contemporary twist. Alternating nubs on the backrest spindles, which have been considered for lumbar support, complete the chair with their pleasing symmetry. $1,619, available at Xtra Poliform Venus With its crisp, sculptural lines, Marcel Wanders’ Venus chair for Poliform feels right at home in modern interiors. Leather…

FLOOR LAMP FLOS Arco Designed in 1962 by brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Arco was conceived as a solution for those who want a down task lighting in their tables with enough space around them without the hassle of drilling. It’s been over six decades and Arco’s elegant arch is still one of the chicest, most recognisable (and most copied) floor lighting silhouettes in our home. The latest reissue in 2012, launched in celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary, sees the lamp outfitted for LED bulbs. PENDANT LAMP LOUIS POULSEN PH Artichoke How does one update the most iconic and celebrated pendant lamp in the world? Less is more in this case by constantly making adjustments to keep up with technology without compromising its look. After many subtle technical…

How was King Living founded? David King started the business in Australia with his mother and they began with making foam furniture. It became so popular and soon opened a showroom and a small factory. David observed that many people throw their sofas out, and they all had flimsy timber frames. He thought that there must be something better for customers. That’s when the steel frame was born. What are some of the popular designs? The top seller is the Jasper sofa. It comes in different sizes, with a platform, where the seats, back and cushions go on. We have so many components for the Jasper that you can configure it whichever way you like, and in big or small settings. If you want to have a change, you can…

While some may see the art of home decorating as a way to impress and make a statement, many homeowners realise that the design of a home is also a unique representation of its owner and reflects elements of his or her character. For that reason, it’s important to ensure that every piece of furniture you have to make space for in your domain is carefully curated and well selected. MORE FROM MOROSO With over 65 years of history in the design and production of premium home furnishing, Italian brand Moroso is renowned for creating furniture that not only combines quality with flawless finishes, but with plenty of personality and uniqueness as well. Today, the company is helmed by Patrizia Moroso, second-generation heir to the family-run company founded by Agostino…

Paola Navone may be 64 years old, but her creations are refreshingly modern, quirky and have stood the test of time. Spirited and young at heart, her unique design aesthetic reflects her lifetime of travel, commitment to handcraft and passion for global culture. An exception on the Italian design scene, for the past 40 years she has been one of the rare women working among an otherwise male-dominated Italian design elite, making a name for herself by breathing new life into designs from the past, turning to traditional artisanal techniques and producing contemporary forms. Always in search of new ways of combining things, she blends design, craftsmanship and the most advanced industrial processes in the same project, bringing together the raw beauty of handmade objects with forward-thinking ideas, materials and…

Imagine famous figures from classical paintings brought to life, directly lifted from their canvases and pastoral, religious and divine settings and appearing in contemporary everyday situations. Like improbable time travellers, they pay us a visit in the gritty, noisy and busy 21st-century urban jungle and the realities of life we face. You find the Virgin Mary and child from William-Adolphe Bouguereau’s Song of the Angels riding in an empty subway car, two men from Hans Holbein the Younger’s The Ambassadors sitting in a seedy bar, Mary Magdalene from Francesco Furini’s The Penitent Magdalene in a shopfront, the Mediaeval couple from Francesco Hayez’s The Kiss locked in an embrace on a train, the god of music from Nicolas Regnier’s Apollon performing like a busker on a commuter route, Caravaggio’s David with…

The concept of modularity in furniture first became popular in office furniture design. Functional workspaces required furniture that could be easily re-arranged or converted to cater to working units of different configurations and be adapted to rooms of various sizes. The range of furniture included modular desk designs that could fit cubicles of various measurements to portable shelving that can be extended. Over time, the modular concept proved to be ideal not only for functional spaces but for apartment homes that were designed with interiors that merged the living spaces with the study, kitchen and outdoor areas. Now that our life has become increasingly more mobile and dynamic, and the boundary between our living and working domains is constantly being renegotiated, the modularity concept has caught up with home furniture.…

Up until the Twenties the city of Venice, in the Los Angeles district of America, had been a city based on, and built around, tourism and amusement. In line with its name Venice was developed by following the model of its Italian counterpart, which grew to fame during the Renaissance and remains a city rich in canals, gondolas and gondoliers. The Venice in LA too had its share of canals, however after oil had been discovered there in 1929, the canals had become polluted and the city went through a period of degradation. For the couple, preserving the lush floral landscape around the estate was a key concern. During the Eighties the government instituted a system of recovery of the entire area, transforming Venice into a residential area with wooden…

ROOM FOR MOVEMENT The chair must allow you to move, which encourages blood and oxygen circulation during hours of sitting BACK REST AND LUMBAR SUPPORT It must support your natural spinal curve and provide sufficient support for the lower back. As a general rule, when trying out the chair, make sure you lean fully against the back of the chair and place it close to the desk to test its suitability for your form. An inward curve is necessary, but should not be overly pronounced. MATERIALS You’ll feel more comfortable in the tropical heat with a fabric-covered chair instead of a leather-upholstered one. Not one to work in an air-conditioned room? Consider a chair with a mesh back support. SEAT WIDTH AND DEPTH When sitting with your back against the…

The art of bonsai growing has been a source of fascination among nature lovers since it was first documented in the sixth century. However, recent developments, coupled with technological advancements, are elevating this ancient artform (quite literally) into a decorating trend worthy of the 21st-century homeowner. Brainchild of Tokyo-based gardening studio Hoshinchu, Air Bonsai consists of a miniature bonsai in a vessel (made of moss or lava stone), which floats and rotates two centimetres above a porcelain base. The captivating levitation act is achieved through the use of built-in magnets. The handmade plant vessels are lovingly named ‘Little Stars’, while the artisanal bases are called ‘Energy Bases’. The plant vessel can hold a maximum weight of 300 grams, allowing for a variety of plant types, from a traditional matsu pine…